Foreign returnee Chhantyal chooses goat and sheep herding over urban 'life of comfort'

Myagdi, April 2: Him Bahadur Chhantyal, 50, of Malkawang of Dhawalagiri rural municipaliy-5 spent 20 years in foreign employment. It was not a compulsion for him to leave urban life; rather, it was his own decision to live as a farmer. 

On his own initiative, he chose to rear goats and sheep. In his own words, his income from his job in the UAE was sufficient to provide his family with a better life in Pokhara. 

However, he listened to his inner feelings, which encouraged him to do something in his birthplace. He believed that someone should remain in the village and engage in meaningful work.

Finally, he followed his heart, returned to his village, and started commercial goat farming.

He now owns the Malkawang Goat-Sheep Farm, while his family and relatives reside in Pokhara. He herds around 600 goats and sheep, moving them to the lower valley during winter and to the highlands during the warmer months.

He this time climbed down with his animals in September–October and set up a temporary shed for them near the Khalikhola Stream on the lower slopes of Malkawang during winter. He is now planning to shift back to the highlands, reaching Buki Patan near Dhawalagiri Peak in July–August.

As he says, he personally enjoys rural life, which he believes is far better, healthier, and more enjoyable than urban life with its noise, pollution, and stress.

He is not alone in this farming venture; he has employed three people from his locality. Each year, he sells around 300 goats and sheep. He invested around Rs 10 million to start the business, and his annual income ranges from Rs 3 to 4 million.

The Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality has supported him in building huts near the Khali Stream to protect the animals from the cold, said Ward Chair Amar Chhantyal. The Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Expert Centre has provided free vaccinations against parasites and diseases for the animals.

For the safety of the mobile sheds, Him Bahadur keeps five dogs and two horses for transporting goods.

Shrinking pastureland, wildlife attacks, and the impacts of climate change are among the major challenges he faces in sustaining his herding business. (RSS)